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Let's Talk Bollocks

Testicular cancer

No time to beat around the bush. Those are two scary words nobody wants to hear, let alone say. But we need to change that. Here's why:

1. It's the most common cancer in males aged 15-35

You didn’t know that? We’re not surprised. There hasn’t been much public awareness on the topic. Breast cancer has become synonymous with pink October and everyone has heard of it. Women know how to examine themselves and what screening programmes are available. Men are much less aware about their own health issues and don’t have the same attitude towards their health, especially young men! They're in their prime, they feel invincible, strong, fit...cancer? No...that can't happen to me! But it can. And it does.

The overall lifetime risk of developing testicular cancer is 1 in 200. 10-18 new cases are diagnosed per year in Malta.

2. It's going up

The incidence of testicular cancer, that is. And it's more common in Europe and the USA. There are few risk factors, the most important being maldescent, when the boys fail to properly drop into their sac at birth. Latest research has also shown a link between cannabis use and testicular cancer.

3. It can be cured

Which is why we need to talk about it. If diagnosed in stage I up to 98% of cases are cured. The overall survival rate is somewhere around 88%. That is, if we catch it early. Unfortunately, we still see patients die every year. Our last patient passed away when he was not even 25 years old. Late presentations out of fear and ignorance are common and we need to change that. Here's how:

4. Jostle your junk

We recommend a monthly self exam. Spend time in the ball park. Look out for anything unusual, like any lumps, change in size or consistency, a sensation of heaviness or dull ache or any irregularities. And if you do find anything concerning speak up. Contact a health centre, your GP or a urologist, but don’t ignore the signs! Anatomically speaking, guys have a huge advantage over women when it comes to self examining their gonads. They're right there, hanging out. Have a feel after a shower or bath when the muscles are relaxed.

5. Ask a friend

A great number of our patients get diagnosed because their wives, partners, boyfriends or girlfriends felt a lump in their better half’s testicle and were concerned. So listen to your partner's concern, and get anything suspicious checked out.

6. Don't be chicken about your eggs

What's the worst that can happen if you get things checked out fast? The one thing everyone's afraid of. You get to lose one of the family jewels. But removing one testicle will not change your virility, your maleness or your sexual function. (There are even prostheses available for aesthetic reasons.) Not removing it, however, may spell a death sentence.

7. LOVE THY BALLS

To make it easy for you guys, and as a reminder, we have made these shower stickers. Simply peel off and place into your shower, so you will never again forget to do your self-exam! You can come and get one on Saturday 12/11/2016 at 3pm in the Piazza at Tigné Point.

Join us at the “LOVE THY BALLS” event and help us raise more awareness for testicular cancer. We will be performing CrossFit inspired workouts including running, push ups and burpees. Everyone is welcome to join! Let’s grab cancer by the balls and fight the taboo that surrounds testicular cancer. T-shirts and mugs can be purchased on the day and the proceeds will go towards local cancer research by the Research Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) at the University of Malta.

November is testicular cancer awareness month and our aim is to get as many people involved as possible and launch a campaign that will become easily recognizable and remind men of the importance of self-exams. #touchyourselftonight. You could save a life. Yours.